By Terry DeBoer
LocalSpins.com

Thanks to a distribution deal with an offshoot of Capitol Records, Holland’s worship-based band Engedi Music has three separate albums scheduled for digital release by year’s end.

One of them will be a collection recorded live last November before a crowd of 900 at its packed church facility on Chicago Drive.

“Yeah, we’ve got a bunch of music coming out this year,” said Engedi Worship and Creative Pastor Yarian Rosado, who heads the ensemble.

The original songs have been “road tested” by using them during church worship.

Engedi Music’s first nationwide release, “There’s Still Water,” emerges Feb. 7. Its central theme is best expressed in the anthem, “Glory.”

“It’s about God meeting us even in the wilderness times,” said Rosado. “He still provides the water.”

Rosado grew up in Florida the son of a professional drummer who pointed his son in a musical direction.

“He kind of forced me,” admitted the artist, who reluctantly took six years of guitar lessons.

But at age 12, the youth saw the film “Back to the Future” and was inspired by the Chuck Berry guitar classic, “Johnny B. Goode.” With added motivation, he said he learned more guitar that next year than in all his previous years of lessons, working on both electric and acoustic instruments.

The versatile Rosado also played bass and trumpet in his middle school jazz band.

He came to Engedi (the name means “fountain” or “oasis”) more than three years ago to take on the church’s worship/music duties. Songwriting was not part of the original plan, but the church’s lead pastor invited him to craft original songs reflective of the Christian life and the church.

Technically, Engedi Music’s Capitol Records deal is only for distribution on digital streaming platforms. It means their music will be more visible without the pressure to tour to support album sales.

Several of Engedi Music’s songs already have been highlighted on West Michigan Christian radio.

The group’s style is very much pop-contemporary-alternative worship, similar to nationally prominent groups such as Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music. They work with a producer that Rosado knows from his Florida days.

The second release this year, titled “KID,” will be different — a studio effort with more pop and R&B vibes, but still with a faith-based approach. The yet-untitled third collection to appear this fall is the project recorded live last November. “The Gates,” a song currently sung during church worship, will be among the featured tunes.

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Church member Ben Beukema has watched Rosado and the group develop their musical gifts.

“He’s a good leader and talented musician,” said Beukema, 39. “And he builds up the people around him.” Many of the songs feature other voices in the ensemble such as Anthony Stallion and Josiah Gonzalez.

It’s a youthful bunch. At age 26, Rosado is the oldest among the 10 artists. He has led several songwriting retreats out of which have birthed new songs.

“Music can connect with people on so many levels, and we’ve already been hearing about how these songs have touched people,” Rosado said. “We’re stewarding a platform of people who listen, and it’s just so humbling to be part of it all.”

— Email Local Spins via John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.